Brugse Vrije (Liberty of Bruges)

From this mansion, the Liberty of Bruges (the countryside in a wide area around the city) was once governed. The building functioned as a court of justice between 1795 and 1984. Today, the City Archive (amongst other things) is housed here, which preserves the city’s written memory. The premises also boast an old assize court and a renaissance hall with a monumental timber, marble and alabaster fireplace from 1528. A tribute to Emperor Charles V (1500-1558), it was made by Lanceloot Blondeel.